Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: ERGONOMIC

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: a) For more than three years, carton assemblers working in the Packing Department were exposed to severe hand and wrist injury, pain, and permanent loss of function. The injuries were diagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrom (CTS), and doctors performed surgery on a number of the workers whose injury was severe. The hazard can be abated by a program including, but not limited to: a) Using time and motion analysis, determine the number of cartons being assembled per hour, day, and shift. b) Evaluated the motions being used to assemble cartons using the assistance of an ergonomics expert. c) Modify the job and/or change the workstation and motions performed by the cartons assemblers to minimize ergonomic stresses to the workers. d) Using the assistance of an ergonomics expert, determine whether an exercise program aimed at increased flexibility and blood flow to the workers extremities would be useful in the reduction of CTS injuries.